I think part of the reason that things
changed direction so quickly regarding the flying of the Confederate
battle flag is that, even for the staunchest supporters of the flag,
there was something motivating them that was at least as powerful as
whether the flag by the statehouse in Charleston SC would be raised
or lowered. That's the delicious, cool taste of victimage with a
chaser of resentment.

I should point out, before we continue,
that the occasional removal of the Confederate battle flag from
public spaces, however symbolically interesting, amounts to nothing
compared to the omnipresence of the image on hats, shirts, bumpers,
school uniforms and mascots, tramp stamps, and underwear. And the
fact that outlets like Walmart have pulled flags and flag-decorated
merchandise from their shelves is hardly a sign that the lost cause
is really lost. It just means that the chain has decided it no longer
fits with their business model to carry them. Relax, ye Sons of the
Confederacy: You've
got a lot of company.

Although I doubt if the fliers of the
flag will find that company much comfort. More comfort – more
comfort by far – will be the opportunity for whining and pissing
and moaning that they are martyrs to "political correctness"
or "reverse discrimination" or whatever. (Opponents of the
SCOTUS decision declaring gay marriage bans unconstitutional will
have much the same thrill as they complain that they're being
"oppressed" for their religious beliefs.)

My stance on flying the Confederate
battle flag has been on the record many times. I used to think it's
disgusting and pathetic, and should be stopped as both public and
private practice. I still think it's disgusting and pathetic, but I
believe it's entitled to First Amendment support (at least private
display; I don't see any reason for it on public grounds). After all,
it's the ugliest ideas that need First Amendment protection. And
second, I consider that flag to have a public health value: It's like
a hazmat warning: Danger! Toxic Environment Ahead! Or it's
like the bell that lepers were once required to carry. I take the
defenders of the flag – including the man who recently killed nine
worshippers in a historically black church in Charleston – at their
word. This is about heritage. A heritage of treason in defense
of slavery, and of white supremacy. Congratulations.

Nothstine is a writer, editor, political junkie, and renegade professor. Contact him here.

*Why p3?

"A good cause is often injured more by ill-timed efforts of its friends than by the arguments of its enemies. Persuasion, perseverance, and patience are the best advocates on questions depending on the will of others." -Thomas Jefferson (1826)